Department FrontPage

Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and on my own behalf, I extend heartfelt greetings to all the young people across our continent and in the diaspora as we mark this year’s International Youth Day.

This day calls us to recognize the extraordinary power of youth to turn aspiration into action—especially where change is needed most. Africa’s renewal begins with young people who do not wait, but lead with ingenuity and resolve.

• Honorable Minister, Dr. Fitsum Assefa,
• Honorable State Minister, Mr. Seyoum Mekonen,
• Executive Secretary, UNFCCC, Mr. Simon Stiell,
• Excellency Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of the Member States of the African Union,
• Excellencies Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives of the Partner Countries of the African Union,
• Colleagues from the African Union Commission,
• Distinguished Guests,
• Members of Media Houses,
• Ladies and Gentlemen,

Theme: “Human Trafficking is Organised Crime – End the Exploitation”

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the African Union stands in solemn solidarity with all survivors of human trafficking and in unwavering determination to end this grave violation of human dignity. We join the global community in condemning one of the most devastating crimes of our times.